Lacrosse mesh configuration

ABSTRACT

A lacrosse mesh configuration is provided. The mesh configuration can be coupled within a head of a lacrosse stick that is coupled to a handle. The mesh configuration includes a mesh in a folded condition, the mesh comprising a first portion and a second portion. The mesh configuration also includes a notch formed in the first portion. The notch provides access to the mesh of the second portion. The second portion accessible through the notch forms a pocket in response to stretching more than the remaining portion of the mesh that is in a doubled up configuration due to the folded condition. The mesh configuration provided also includes the use of at least two colors of thread or a plurality of colors of thread to form a repeatable mesh configuration, wherein the color configuration of the mesh is repeatable.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[S]

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application entitled“LACROSSE MESH CONFIGURATION,” Ser. No. 14/324,979, filed Jul. 7, 2014,now pending; U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “LACROSSE MESHCONFIGURATION,” Ser. No. 61/843,299, filed Jul. 5, 2013; and U.S.Provisional Patent Application entitled “LACROSSE MESH CONFIGURATION,”Ser. No. 61/890,454, filed Oct. 14, 2013, the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to a lacrosse mesh configuration andmore particularly to a lacrosse mesh configuration for forming a deeperpocket and to a a multicolored lacrosse mesh configuration.

2. State of the Art

A crosse 10 or stick used to play the game of lacrosse, also morecommonly known as lacrosse stick 10, as shown in FIG. 1, consists of ahandle 12, a head 14 and mesh 16 laced into the head 14, wherein themesh 16 includes a pocket 24 and is used to hold, catch and throw aball. Conventional mesh 14 of a lacrosse stick 10 is usually strung withtwo or more laces, often referred to as shooting strings 18, 20, and 22.The shooting strings 18, 20, and 22 are graduated in tightness so thatthe pocket 24 can be deep. The shooting strings 18, 20, and 22 will actlike slight steps as the ball travels out of the stick providing asmooth but tactile exit on shots and throws.

During a game of lacrosse, one aspect of the game include holding ontothe ball when under attack from the opponent. Accordingly, playersattempt to adjust the pocket to make it deeper without overly affect theshooting ability of the lacrosse stick 10. One conventional way ofapproaching this issue by use of a shooting string 22 in a V or Uformation. The V or U formation shooting string 22 provides a channelstructure while maintaining the pocket 24 deep, thereby allowing forbetter holding of the ball in the pocket 24 but often affects theshooting ability of the lacrosse stick.

Current rules, however, have made the use of V or U formation shootingstrings illegal and therefore eliminating the benefits of such ashooting string.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lacrosse mesh configuration forforming a deeper pocket. Further, this invention relates to usingvarious colored thread to form the lacrosse mesh, wherein the meshtransitions from one color to another without the use of dying or othertype of treatment of the completed mesh. In other words, providing amesh with at least two colors where the colors are sewn to form themesh.

An embodiment includes lacrosse mesh configuration that comprises a meshin a folded condition, the mesh comprising a first portion and a secondportion. Further, the mesh configuration includes a notch formed in thefirst portion, the notch providing access to the mesh of the secondportion. The second portion is accessible through the notch and forms apocket in response to stretching more than the remaining portion of themesh that is in a doubled up configuration due to the folded condition.

Another embodiment includes a lacrosse stick with a lacrosse meshconfiguration that comprises a handle, a head coupled to an end of thehandle, and a mesh in a folded condition, the mesh comprising a firstportion and a second portion, wherein the mesh is coupled to the head inthe folded condition. Further, the mesh configuration includes a notchformed in the first portion, the notch providing access to the mesh ofthe second portion. The second portion is accessible through the notchand forms a pocket in response to stretching more than the remainingportion of the mesh that is in a doubled up configuration due to thefolded condition.

In some embodiments, the notch is a V shape. Further, in theseembodiments, an edge of the notch forms a V shaped channel.Additionally, in other embodiments, the notch is a U shape. In theseembodiments, an edge of the notch forms a U shaped channel.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the mesh configurationincludes any of the previously discussed mesh configurations with theaddition of utilizing at least two colors, or a plurality of colors ofyarn to form a multicolored mesh. The use of a plurality of colors ofthread allow for the formation of mesh of various colors without theneed of color treating the completed mesh configuration.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill be apparent from the following more detailed description of theparticular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconnection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer tosimilar items throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art lacrosse stick;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a lacrosse stick showing new shooting stringrules;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a mesh configuration for use with a lacrossestick in an unfolded condition;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the mesh configuration of FIG. 2 with the meshin a folded condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a head of a lacrosse stick with a meshconfiguration laced into the head;

FIG. 6 is front view of a transitional mesh; and

FIG. 7 is a front view of an asymmetrical mesh.

FIG. 8 a head of a lacrosse stick with a mesh configuration laced intothe head;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a head of a lacrosse stick with a meshconfiguration laced into the head;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a transition and asymmetrical meshconfiguration;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a transition mesh configuration;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a mesh configuration with varying mesh sizes;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a mesh with further varying mesh sizeconfigurations;

FIG. 14 is a front view of another mesh configuration with varying meshsizes with a rail portion;

FIG. 15 is yet another front view of a mesh configuration with varyingmesh sizes with a rail portion; and

FIG. 16 includes front views of a plurality of mesh configurations,wherein each mesh configuration as at least two colors of threadutilized to form the mesh configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate tolacrosse mesh configuration for forming a deeper pocket.

New rules that have been enacted that affect the mesh and shootingstrings of a lacrosse stick. Players will be allowed to have shootingstrings up to but not touching four inches from the top of the lacrossestick as shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, three other field tests will beperformed to ensure that all sticks meet certain specifications. Thesefield tests are: 1) The ball will be placed in the head of the lacrossestick (perpendicular to the ground) at the throat, then the lacrossestick is tipped forward 90 degrees; 2) The ball is placed in the head ofthe lacrosse stick (horizontal to the ground) at the deepest point ofthe pocket, then the lacrosse stick is tipped forward 90 degrees so theball rolls out at the tip of the head; and 3) The ball is placed in theback of the head of the lacrosse stick at the deepest point of thepocket and pushed in to reverse the pocket. The lacrosse stick isinverted 180 degrees. The ball must come out of the head of the lacrossestick without shaking, etc.

With the new rule changes, there is a need and a desire from players tobe able to have a similar pocket that can be formed with a V or Uformation shooting string as depicted in FIG. 1 and still meet and passthe field tests. Both the shooting string and the field test arecritical and can affect the player's ability to perform on the field.Therefore, embodiments have been established and created to address thisneed.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9, an embodiment of a mesh 30 is shown.The mesh 30 includes a V or U shaped notch 32 cut into the mesh 30. Themesh 30 is then folded over to provide a first portion 34 and a secondportion 36. The notch 32 is formed in the first portion 34 and allowsfor access to the mesh of the second portion 36. The mesh 30 is thenlaced into the head of the lacrosse stick in the folded condition. Asthe mesh is broken in, the areas where the mesh 30 is double over, or inother words the mesh that overlaps due to the folded condition hasgreater resistance to stretch due to the doubled over mesh. The V or Ushaped notch 32 in the mesh creates a pocket 38, wherein the pocket 38stretches more than the doubled over mesh.

Further, the edge 40 of the notch 32 forms a channel similar to a V or Uformation shooting sting. Shooting strings in the V or U formation oftentimes affect the shooting or throwing ability of the lacrosse stick. Thenotch 32 provides the same pocket shape benefit of the V or U formationshooting string, however, with a smooth transition out of the pocketwithout the need for the ball to travel past a string. This allows forbetter repeatability, reliable whip and control of throws and shots.

Additionally, the mesh 30 with the notch 32 allows for the use ofshooting strings within 4 inches from the top of the lacrosse stick.Therefore, the mesh 30 of this embodiment meets the standardsestablished by the current rules of lacrosse.

With reference to FIG. 5, other embodiments of a mesh 50 may be providedand laced into head 52. In each instance the mesh 50 has a configurationto create a pocket 54 without the use of a V or U formation shootingstring.

An embodiment of a mesh 50 includes a transition mesh, as shown in FIG.6. A transition mesh includes a layer of mesh at the bottom of the head52, wherein the mesh expands more than the other areas of mesh that areformed of a smaller mesh. Therefore, the mesh transitioning from a smallmesh 60 to a bigger mesh 62 defines a type of transition mesh. Thistransition mesh allows for a pocket 54 to be formed in the portion ofthe mesh 50 with bigger mesh 62.

Another embodiment of mesh 50 may include a combination of a transitionmesh and notch. For example, and without limitation, the mesh 50 mayhave a V or U shaped notch cut into the mesh 50, such as the notch 32cut into mesh 30. The mesh is then folded over to provide a firstportion and a second portion. The notch is formed in the first portionand allows for access to the mesh of the second portion. The mesh isthen laced into the head of the lacrosse stick in the folded condition.As the mesh is broken in, the areas where the mesh is double over, or inother words the mesh that overlaps due to the folded condition hasgreater resistance to stretch due to the doubled over mesh and furtherresistance to stretch because it is a smaller mesh. The V or U shapednotch in the mesh creates a pocket 52, and in addition, the mesh in thearea of pocket 52 located on the back portion of the folded over mesh isformed of bigger mesh 62 and stretches more than the smaller mesh 60 toalso help in the formation of the pocket 38.

Additionally, the mesh 50 may include two lanes of transition formed inthe mesh and correspond to the notch, the lanes forming a V or U shape,thereby providing the benefits of the V or U formation shooting string,however, with a smooth transition out of the pocket without the need forthe ball to travel past a string. The lanes of transition includetransitioning from one mesh size to another along different lanes.

In another embodiment, the mesh 50 may include a pocket 52, wherein thepocket is formed of a mesh that changes horizontally. The meshconfiguration would then have a mesh that stretches differently than therest of the mesh and can then be used to form a pocket. Again the changein horizontal mesh may be a section of mesh that includes a V or Ushaped notch. This again provides the same pocket shape benefit of the Vor U formation shooting string, however, with a smooth transition out ofthe pocket without the need for the ball to travel past a shootingstring.

In yet another embodiment of mesh 50, the mesh may include anasymmetrical mesh shown in FIG. 7, wherein the mesh 50 includes forexample, without limitation, a first size of mesh on side portions 70 ofmesh 50 and a second size of mesh on a center portion 72 of mesh 50. Inan asymmetrical mesh, the shape of a stitch 74 between the centerportion 72 and the side portions 70 of the mesh 50 at a pocket area 52may change in size wherein the stitch 74 is a mesh size that isdifferent from the rest of the mesh 50. This mesh stitch 74 can thenform a throwing rail 74 built into the mesh without the use of ashooting string. This asymmetrical mesh can also include a notch asdescribed previously.

In yet another embodiment of mesh 50, the mesh may include a combinationmesh 100 of a transition and asymmetrical mesh as shown in FIG. 10,wherein the mesh 50 includes for example, without limitation, a firstsize of mesh on side portions 80 of mesh 50 and a second size of mesh ona center portion 82 of mesh 50. In an asymmetrical mesh, the shape of astitch 84 between the center portion 82 and the side portions 80 of themesh 50 at a pocket area 52 may change in size wherein the stitch 84 isa mesh size that is different from the rest of the mesh 50. This meshstitch 84 can then form a throwing rail 84 built into the mesh withoutthe use of a shooting string.

Further, in this combination mesh, the center portion 82 may be atransition mesh that includes a first layer 90 of mesh of the centerportion 82, wherein the first layer expands more than a second layer 92of mesh of the center portion 82. The second layer 92 of mesh expandsmore than the third layer 94 of mesh of the center portion 82 that isformed of a smaller mesh. In some embodiments, the mesh of side portions80 may be the same sixed mesh as the third layer 94. Therefore, the meshtransitioning from a small mesh 94 to a bigger mesh 90 defines a type oftransition mesh. This transition mesh allows for a pocket to be formedin the portion of the mesh with bigger mesh 90. This combination meshcan also include a notch 32, which provides benefits as describedpreviously.

Referring to FIG. 11, another type of transition mesh is provided.Industry standard is to have a mesh that is ten mesh openings wide. Themesh configuration of FIG. 11 shows a first portion 110 of mesh that isindustry standard with ten mesh openings 112 across the width of thefirst portion 110. The mesh transitions to a second portion 114 of meshwith mesh openings 116 that is bigger than the mesh openings 112 of thefirst portions. The mesh openings 116 of the second portion 114 are suchthat only eight mesh openings 116 extend across the width of the secondportion 114, wherein the first portion 110 and the second portion 114are substantially the same width. In other words, the mesh configurationof FIG. 11 transitions from ten openings to eight openings in width.

FIG. 12 is another mesh configuration that transitions the mesh sizeboth vertically and horizontally. For example, first mesh portion 120has a mesh opening 121 of a first size. Second portion 122 of the meshhas a second mesh opening 123 that is larger both vertically andhorizontally than mesh openings 121.

FIG. 13 depicts a mesh configuration with a first portion 130 have amesh opening 131 of a first size. The mesh includes a second portion 132with a mesh opening 133 of a second size, wherein the second size isbigger than the first size. The mesh further includes a third portion134 with a mesh opening 135 of a third size, wherein the third size issmaller than the first size. In this configuration, the mesh transitionsthrough three different mesh sizes in manner where the largest meshopening size divides the other two differing sized mesh openings.

FIG. 14 depicts a mesh configuration with a transitioning mesh openingsizes. The mesh includes a first portion 140 having mesh opening 141 ofa first size. The mesh also has a second mesh portion 142 with a meshopening 143 of a second size larger than the first size. The mesh alsoincludes a third portion 144 with mesh openings 145 of a third size,wherein the thirds size is larger than the first size and smaller thanthe second size. The second portion 142 and the third portion 144 areseparated with inter-woven mesh openings that are of a size as meshopenings 141. The third portion 144 then transitions into mesh openingsof a size as openings 141. Further, in this configuration, the meshincludes side rails 146, wherein the rails 146 have the same meshopenings as the first portion 140. The rails serve to assist as throwingrails when the pocket is formed.

FIG. 15 depicts a mesh configuration with transition mesh and siderails. The mesh includes a first portion 150 with mesh openings 151 of afirst size. The mesh also includes a second portion 152 with meshopenings 153 of a second size, wherein the second size is larger thanthe first size, both vertically and horizontally. The mesh includes athird portion 154 with mesh openings 155 of a third size, wherein thethird size is smaller than the second size and larger than the firstsize. The mesh also includes side rails 156 wherein the side railstransition from the first size of mesh openings 151 to the third size ofmesh openings 155 is a manner different than the second portion 152. Therails serve to assist as throwing rails when the pocket is formed.

Referring to mesh configurations shown in FIGS. 11-15, the meshtransitions are provided to form a pocket quicker. Further the meshconfigurations of FIGS. 12-15 include mesh openings that have aconventional mesh shape in portions with crossovers and legs wherein thecrossover is shorter than the legs. The mesh in these figures then bytransitioning to different mesh sizes also reverse the mesh openingconfiguration wherein the leg is shorter than the crossover. Thisprovides additional strength to these portions of the meshconfigurations. Additionally, these mesh configuration because of thetransition of the mesh size both vertically and horizontally, improvethe grip of the lacrosse ball by wrapping around the ball, in additionto the speed in which a pocket can be formed because of the transitionmesh. Further, these mesh configurations of FIGS. 11-15 can be used witha V or U shaped notch as described previously. It will be understoodthat any combination of mesh transitions in order to form the pocketquicker and still fall within the proper rules.

Further still, another embodiments of the mesh 50 may include formingthe mesh at the pocket area with a different material that has adifferent stretching characteristic. For example, and withoutlimitation, the mesh in the pocket area may include elastic or a Kevlarto be knit into the mesh to change the characteristic of the mesh in thepocket area.

Referring further to the drawings, FIG. 16 depicts a plurality ofrepeatable multicolored mesh configurations 160-170, wherein eachrepeatable mesh configuration is formed with the use of at least twocolors of thread. Mesh configuration 160 utilizes pink thread and whitethread. Mesh configuration 161 is a Rastafarian design with a pluralityof colors of thread, wherein sections of the plurality of colors ofthread are separated by a solid black thread to form a noticeablethrowing lane in the mesh configuration. Mesh configuration 162 utilizesa neon green and neon yellow thread to form the mesh. Mesh configuration163 utilizes a blue and a pink thread to form the mesh. Meshconfiguration 164 utilizes a black thread, a yellow thread and a purplethread. Mesh configuration 165 utilizes a green thread and a blackthread to form the mesh. Mesh configuration 166 utilizes a black thread,yellow thread and green thread to form the mesh. Mesh configuration 167utilizes a black thread and a white thread to form the mesh. Meshconfiguration 168 utilizes a yellow thread and a blue thread to form themesh. Mesh configuration 169 utilized a red thread, a white thread and ablue thread to form the mesh. Mesh configuration 170 utilizes a blackthread, a pink thread, a yellow thread, a green thread and an orangethread to form the mesh.

While specific examples of mesh formed with a plurality of thread colorshas been shown, it is understood that the present invention is notlimited to the depicted mesh configurations 160-170, but rather thatother colors of threads and patterns may be formed, so long as the meshconfigurations are repeatable. It will be understood that repeatablemesh configurations 16-170 are repeatable in color, pattern andtransition by the use of various colored threads in the processing. Thisprovides a significant advantage over mesh configurations formed byother who utilize color treatment of the mesh after the mesh is formed.In those conventional methods, the opportunity to transition from onemesh color to another is unpredictable and difficult to repeat orreproduce with any amount of similarity. Embodiments of this inventionallow for repeatability and virtually identical mesh configurations withany pattern of colors forming the mesh configurations.

The plurality of colors of thread mesh configurations shown in FIG. 16is standard mesh, wherein the mesh size is consistent throughout theentire mesh configuration. In other embodiments, at least two colors ofthread or a plurality of colors of thread may be used to form othertypes of mesh, such as a transition mesh shown in FIG. 6, anasymmetrical mesh shown in FIG. 7, a transition and asymmetrical meshshown in FIG. 10, a transition mesh shown in FIG. 11, a mesh withvarying mesh sizes as shown in FIGS. 12-15.

Embodiments of the present invention also show a transition of one colorto the next by use of a plurality of colors of thread. For example, andwithout limitation, a mesh configuration, such those shown in FIG. 16transition from one color to another in the crossover, wherein thecolors are visually present in the crossover portions of the mesh whenthe mesh transitions from one color to the next. This provides a visualtransition between different colored portions of the mesh configurations160-170.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order tobest explain the present invention and its practical application and tothereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use theinvention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the foregoing description and examples have been presented for thepurposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forthis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit andscope of the forthcoming claims.

1. A lacrosse mesh configuration comprising: a mesh in a foldedcondition, the mesh comprising a first portion and a second portion; anda notch formed in the first portion, the notch providing access to themesh of the second portion, wherein the second portion accessiblethrough the notch forms a pocket in response to stretching more than theremaining portion of the mesh that is in a doubled up configuration dueto the folded condition.
 2. The mesh of claim 1, wherein the notch is aV shape.
 3. The mesh of claim 2, wherein an edge of the notch forms a Vshaped channel.
 4. The mesh of claim 1, wherein notch is a U shape. 5.The mesh of claim 4, wherein an edge of the notch forms a U shapedchannel.